Miss A Columnist

Lisa Beth Miller is the Entertaining & Weddings Editor for Miss A. She has been involved in the wedding industry for several years. Lisa is a bridal consultant and director of marketing and public relations for Blush Bridal Boutique and an event designer at Main Street Weddings, both local wedding businesses. In this capacity, Lisa writes the blog, website copy, and promotional materials for these businesses and assists with event planning. She was formerly a bridal consultant and did marketing and public relations work for A Formal Affair Bridal and Formalwear Boutique and was the creator of their Bridal University workshops. Additionally, Lisa teaches English, journalism, and photojournalism classes at Liberty High School in Bealeton, Virginia. She advises the school's award-winning publications, Talon yearbook and Patriot Press newspaper. As junior class sponsor, she also assists in planning Liberty's prom. Lisa has written several published articles. These include an article about advising student publications for Accents (Southern Interscholastic Press Association’s journal),an article about the royal wedding for Northern Virginia Magazine, an article about local proms for Warrenton Lifestyle magazine, and four stories about wedding planning and wedding fashion for the 2012 Northern Virginia Bridal Guide. Lisa holds an undergraduate degree in English and journalism education from Millersville University of Pennsylvania and a graduate degree in education and library science from Longwood University.

Jose Dias, the fashion-forward mastermind behind Justin Alexander Bridal’s incredible yet affordable gowns, is the epitome of charity and style combined. His designs keep Justin Alexander Bridal on the cutting edge of wedding fashion, while his caring spirit inspires him to interact personally with brides and to offer his time and efforts to charitable causes.

Photo credit: Justin Alexander Bridal

One of America’s and Europe’s most influential producers of wedding fashions, Justin Alexander designs are found across the globe because of their exceptional quality and superb style. The collection captures the romantic dreams of brides everywhere who seek Old Hollywood glamour. If you love Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn or Jackie Kennedy, you’ll find Justin Alexander the right fit for your most important day.

Jose Dias is the designer currently tasked with creating fresh collections of wedding gowns each season for the Justin Alexander line. His attention to detail, creativity, and devotion to interpreting the newest trends at reasonable prices make him both successful and inspirational in the bridal industry. This legendary designer took some time to chat with me last week about dresses, trends, and brides!

Photo credit: Justin Alexander Bridal

You are currently showcasing the Spring 2015 collection at trunk shows nationwide. What was your inspiration for this collection?

For me my greatest inspirations are Old Hollywood movies. I adore everything Doris Day wore, so I would say she was a big influence for this year’s collection. Another influence was Downton Abbey. I guess I am attracted to movie stars, their costumes as well as the glamour that once was Hollywood and still is.

What new and unique touches are featured on these gowns? What is fresh and new for Spring 2015?

For sure we have really researched and come up with the nicest laces as well as very intricate and delicate beading. We are all about attention to detail. We are also loving the layering of fabrics to create dimension as well as volume.

Are there any gown trends (or wedding trends in general) that are increasing in popularity for 2015?

I would say there are two trends that are increasing in popularity. The first would be the a-line to fuller ball gown. More and more brides are returning to the notion of being a princess on her day, but infusing a little more glamour and glitz to it. The second trend would be softer and cleaner. This bride wants none of the fuss of a more voluminous gown. She wants to be carefree and tries to channel her Bohemian side.

Photo credit: Justin Alexander Bridal

What is the biggest mistake brides make when shopping for gowns?

They sometimes are so stuck on a “look” they feel is them. For example she may go into a store assured she wants to wear a mermaid or more fitted style and then she finally is coaxed to try on something completely opposite, and to her surprised she falls in love. It also goes the other way around with a bride wanting to wear a huge ball gown and then goes for a more streamlined look. I would say that about this happens to about 70% of my brides. It’s fun to see their reaction when they walk out of the dressing room smiling because they would never have thought they would liked this other look.

Any favorite celebrity wedding looks?

Can I just tell you the ones I didn’t like? I am joking. There are SO many in my book. My favorite of all time has to be Grace Kelly of course. Most recently I would say Jessica Simpson this past month because I love ball gowns, and of course embroidery. Others that stole the spotlight are Kelly Clarkson, Ivanka Trump, Anne Hathaway and Portia De Rossi.

Photo credit: Justin Alexander Bridal

You are obviously a very busy designer. Why is it important to you to take the time to visit boutiques and work with brides?

It is so important for me because this is when, hands on, I get the most inspiration. Meeting these REAL brides is great because I get to hear from them first hand what they have been looking for and either cannot find or what their opinion is after shopping around for a while. At the end of the day these are the women I am designing for, not the size 2 model we use on our shoots.

Are there any charities or philanthropic causes that you are passionate about?

For sure my greatest philanthropic passion over the past 4 years has been GLSEN. This organization nationwide helps both grade school and high school students find a safe place within their schools to go talk about bullying. This is an epidemic on every level. Even though GLSEN stands for Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network, it is about all students. It may be that you are being discriminated against because of your sexual preference, weight, handicap, religion or anything else. This organization educates and provides a safe kit space to every school in America with the help of donations and fund raising. It only costs $25.00 per kit per school.

Thank you so much for chatting with me, Jose! We can’t wait to see your new wedding gown collection.